Literacy Volunteers Ontario-Yates

Program Overview

We are an organization that focuses on student-centered learning. We match students who have specific needs with tutors who will work with them for up to two hours a week to reach their goal(s). The tutoring sessions are held at a mutually-agreed upon location where they can meet confidentially to work on the student's goals. We also offer small group classes to supplement one-to-one tutoring, such as math, conversation, pronunciation and even a book club.

We serve adults throughout Ontario and Yates counties with offices in Canandaigua and Penn Yan. We also have staff in the Geneva Public Library on a part-time basis. Our Penn Yan office is located at 117 E. Elm Street, Penn Yan and may be reached at 315-536-6799. Contact our Geneva staff at 585-282-7318.

For Corporations and Businesses: If you are in search of entry level employees, you may have noticed that there is a large pool of potential employees who lack their high school diploma or GED or lack English speaking skills. You may also have current employees who would be good candidates for promotion but you are unable to promote them due to their literacy levels or lack of GED. We can help you meet the needs of your company by matching these employees with a tutor to help them work toward their literacy goals!

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Frances got married and had children very young, never completing high school. Although she tried pursuing her diploma at different times, it never worked out for her. Then, with the right support and encouragement from her family, she started working with LVOY. She says her tutor was always patient with her, explaining things in different ways until she understood them. After a lot of hard work, Frances finally received her high school equivalency diploma! Frances says that the most rewarding part of the entire process was "showing my children that I could do it. They have a hard time in school, too, and I can use my life experience to show them they can do it." She also acknowledges the significance of her achievement, saying "I've never been so proud of myself in my entire life!"